Sunday, November 29, 2009

The year was 1947. The place, Long Beach California. The man, Philip Cronan. Phil was a World War Two veteran, proudly serving in the European theater with the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Upon being discharged from the service Phil got a job with the City of Long Beach as a Police Officer. After a few years, Phil became a Motor Officer for the city. Being that he lacked seniority within the motor squad, his mount was the oldest in the fleet. A 1940 Harley Davidson big twin flathead. But that was all about to change. His time had come and he was next up for a new bike. In May of 1947 he wish came true. He was assigned a brand new 1947 Harley Davidson UL, shop number 502. His first new motorcycle. From the moment Phil took possession of the bike, it was love at first site. The police garage kept up on the maintenance, but Phil supplemented with his own oil changes and clutch adjustments. See Phil’s true passion was motorcycles. The police job paid the bills and why not get paid to ride, but his real desire was racing. Phil was a member of the Wing Nuts Motorcycle Club of Los Angeles and loved racing on the weekends. Since he had a new bike, he was king of the track. Every night before a race Phil would strip off all the police equipment and disguise the bike as a class C racer. He would then race, win and put the bike back together before the next days work. This went on for many years without any one the wiser. When Phil finally retired from police service, he was able to buy the bike from the city for a mere sum of $50 and to keep it in it’s race clothing, never having to put the fenders and pursuit lamps back on the bike. Phil kept riding and racing the bike well into the 1950s, until the side valve technology just couldn’t keep up with the overheads. He eventually sold the bike and purchased a new Panhead. The old UL floated around from owner to owner over the years but never left Southern California. In the early 1980’s the Flathead appeared in the May 1981 Easyriders Magazine as a featured bike. It was rode around the San Fernando Valley in that configuration for several years until the owner ran into a curb and bent the forks. It was pushed into his garage and there it sat for many years. Now enter Flathead Jedd. The year was 1997. 50 years after the birth of the UL. Jedd acquired the bike from the recent owner in a trade for his 1927 Ford hot rod. The first thing Jedd did was strip the bike down an resurrect it to it’s former Class C glory. Jedd as a big fan of the post war era of motorcycling saw no other way to build the bike than as a 40’s bobber. So it was put together as you see it today. The irony was that Jedd was a member of the Wing Nuts Motorcycle Club. The same club that Phil had been in. This was pure happenstance. The history of the bike wasn’t revealed until after it was owned by Jedd. Even more bizarre was that Flathead Jedd was called “Flathead” before ever owning the bike. No one ever knew why, including Jedd. It was all just meant to be I suppose. The above story is completely fictitious and came from the warped mind of Flathead Jedd. There are a few facts that are true, but for the most part it’s complete garbage.

Cindy from Century Cycles awarded the Wing Nuts with the coveted (and made in her trailer) Spam award, for best Triumph motorcycles at the event. Here Wes stands proudly with our trophy in front of the NLAMC booth.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Wes and I spent the last two days out in the dirt at LACR for the Day in the Dirt motocross event. Neither of us have a motocross background so it was pretty cool to see up close and personal. LACR has an amazing track. We brought out the desert bikes to show them off and everyone seemed fascinated by the "two springers" with metal fenders. The gentleman in the picture actually competed in the vintage class with his Triumph thanks to a donor part from a Wing Nut bike. He won something, so I guess that means we won something. Everyone came up to us and said "hi." Looks like next year we may be crazy enough to give the track a try. The most fascinating bike I saw out there competing was an Evo Sportster in full motocross frame and suspension. I tried to get a picture of the bike, but after he disappeared into the 7 story drop, we never saw him again. That friggin motor weighed more than most of the bikes out there!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Everyone has different "secret" styles of riding across the desert fast. Bud Ekins always said get way back on the seat and let er rip. This fellow seems to be taking the opposite approach. I know when I'm off road, I use a whole lot of body english. Had a crowd watching me once. Thought the were marveling at my skill. Later some kid told me they was talkin' bout calling the paramedics cuz it looked like I was having a seizure while riding the bike.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Wing Nut friend and NLAMC customer Norbert on what may be the final ride of the season. German winters get mighty cold. I always forget about seasons and a deeply apologize to our friends that have to "garage up" for the winter. I'm going to keep riding and thinking of you.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Well she's finally together with the help of Jeff and Wes. So here's a list of the cool stuff. Bates seats, MCM Desert Pipes, Q Remote Filter, Bash Guard, Hand Guards and relocated oil filler neck. It's as period as I can make it. I'm still considering changing the bars. They're comfortable, but don't look great. Also I'm going to put a bigger front tire on it. This bike is fun! Handles like a little bike, goes like a big one.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Ok so here it is the 1st of Nov and it's been a day of firsts. I finally got some pictures of our new sweaters, albeit no close ups. I got to ride my T100SC in all it's desert garb for the first time. Although I rode on the street to the all British ride at Hansen Dam. Brent became a member, so first ride for him as a Wing Nut, even though he's been on every ride. Wes rode my UL for the first time and I have photographic evidence of him riding a Harley. And for the first time I stood next to a Gold Wing wearing my Wing Nuts sweater. That will never ever happen again.